Colorado Matters

Parents who lost their children to fentanyl talk about the deadly epidemic. Then, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock is in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. We ask about his priorities, including affordable housing and public safety. Plus, building codes after the Marshall Fire, and a college degree 50 years in the making.

In his regular conversation with Governor Jared Polis, Ryan Warner asks about the state's response to the omicron variant, policy changes after The Marshall Fire, and the King Soopers strike. Then, high housing costs persist. And understanding U.S. history through the lens of the postal service and Cameron Blevins' book, "Paper Trails."

CPR's Bente Birkland details the latest in the lawsuit against Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters. Then, Denver native Nicole Lewis is now the launch director for a mission sending seven satellites into space on the wing of a 747. Plus, Denver journalist Josiah Hesse explores the use of cannabis in sports in his new book, "Runner's High."

Democratic Congressman Ed Perlmutter talks about his decision not to run for re-election after eight terms. Then, assessing the start of the legislative session and the State of the State address. Also, a woman returns to her neighborhood after the Marshall Fire. El Taco Rey, a longtime Colorado Springs restaurant, is closing.

As cases of COVID-19 climb in Colorado, the omicron variant creates new unknowns in the effort to predict the path of the virus. Then, an update on the King Soopers strike and the bigger picture of organized labor. Also, the disparity in college rates among Hispanic men. And, preserving the Ute Mountain Ute language.

A Louisville couple returns to the ruins of the home they lost in the Marshall fire. And, a nonprofit helps fire victims. Then, CPR reporter Andrew Kenney on economic resets in the pandemic. Also, new state laws that took effect January 1. Plus, a Denver Rescue Mission program for people in recovery. Finally, a new school uses the community as a classroom.

Lawmakers return to the state capitol Wednesday. House Speaker Alec Garnett and House Minority Leader Hugh McKean share some of the priorities and challenges as they convene. Then, reality star Colton’ Underwood’s journey after coming out brings him to Colorado for support and connection. Plus, remembering Colorado abstract painter Clark Richert.

Missy Franklin is an Olympic gold medal swimmer, but that’s not what defines her. She shares her journey through depression at the University of Colorado’s Depression Center. Plus, how the center's helping train CU coaches to support athletes' mental health. Then, preserving former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir’s Colorado legacy.

We get life-saving tips from Micki Trost, of Colorado's emergency management division. Then, the survival story of a cat name Merlin. Plus, pet sociologist Leslie Irvine on the toll the Marshall Fire took on critters. Plus, Judge Raymond Jones was an early Black judge, and now his Denver neighborhood is a historic landmark.

CPR’s Jenny Brundin finds educators, kids, and families are between a rock and a viral hard place. Then, our D.C. correspondent Caitlyn Kim shares memories of last year's insurrection. Plus, Valèria Martinez Tenreiro wants to improve Latinos' access to mental health care. And, a new mixed-use development in Denver features a gardeny gash.